The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has provided training to over 70 cashew growers in the production and processing of cashew for export purposes.
The training occurred during a one-day program aimed at improving quality awareness among stakeholders in the cashew value chain in Owerri.
During the event, Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director of NEPC, stated the importance of the training in strengthening the progress made in cashew production, processing, and export.
Mrs. Ayeni, represented by Anthony Ajuruchi, NEPC’s Coordinator in Imo and National Team Lead on cashew, referred to Nigeria’s status as the fourth highest producer of cashew globally while stressing the need to maintain this position.
According to her, the training was in line with the NEPC’s new mantra: “Doubling our exports for economic growth and job creation.”
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She said, “Cashew holds a huge foreign exchange potential for Nigeria and we cannot afford not to double our efforts. As the fourth highest producer of cashew in the world, we have the potential for unparalleled greatness and we must harness it, hence this workshop.’’
Mr Ajuruchi, however, said that NEPC might consider supply of improved seedlings to committed farmers in Imo State as an incentive to encourage cashew farming.
According to him, multinational organisations such as the African Alliance and the German Corporation for International Cooperation were prepared for holistic partnerships with Nigerian farmers and processing, to enable them meet increasing demand.
Also speaking, the pioneer President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria and current member, Board of Trustees of the association, Sunday Uzoechi, called on the government at all levels to prioritise non-oil exports to revive the economy.
He also urged farmers, marketers and processors of cashew to recommit to its production for best results.
Also, Chairman of NCAN in Imo State, Simon Ezikeiheoma, said large production of cashew was ongoing in Okigwe, Okwudor and Awomamma communities of Imo, where there are large clusters producing over 1000 metric tons of cashew per annum.
